Constructing appropriate leadership models for the abbot in sangha administration: grounded theory approach

Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to study the understanding of the traits, behaviors and components of leadership of the abbots in the emic point of view and 2) to construct the appropriate leadership models for the abbots. This was qualitative research. Data were collected from related documents, participant observation and in-depth interviews with 26 key informants from 6 temples in Chaiyaphum Province and the National Office of Buddhism. Data were analyzed based on the grounded theory approach and presented by descriptive information.

The study results according to first objective revealed that there were 22 existing leadership components of the abbots namely: 1. Being Compassionate and Generous 2. Self-Awareness 3. Determination 4. Self-Sacrifice 5. Being Strict in Disciplines 6. Intelligence 7. Sociability 8. Competency 9. Self-Confidence 10. Conceptualizing 11. Skill Knowledge and Competency 12. Initiative and Creative 13. Being a Role Model 14. Compromise 15. Accountability 16. Empowering 17. Giving the Work Back to the People 18. Helping Followers Grow and Succeed 19. Creating Values for the Community 20. Balanced Processing 21. Intellectual Stimulation 22. Individualized Consideration.

The study results according to second objective revealed that the appropriate leadership models for the abbots of the temples focusing on education comprised 2 main components as follows: 1) Traits, consisting of 8 components, namely 1. Charisma 2. Envision 3. Intelligence 4. Self-Esteem 5. Determination 6. Altruism 7. Emotional Maturity 8. Self-Awareness and 2) Behaviors, Consisting of 6 Components, Namely 1. Inspirational Motivation 2. Intellectual Stimulation 3. Individualized Consideration 4. Contingent Reward 5. Empowerment 6. Building Community Relations.

The appropriate leadership models for the abbots of the temples focusing on development with the community comprised 2 main components as follows: 1) Traits, consisting of 7 components, namely 1. Sociability 2. Emotional Intelligence 3. Equilibrium 4. Charisma 5. Sacrifice 6. Integrity 7. Openness and 2) Behaviors, Consisting of 8 Components, Namely 1. Identify Problems 2. Conceptualizing 3. Effective Communications 4. Internalized Moral Perspective 5. Balanced Processing 6. Relational Transparency 7. Giving the Work Back to the People 8. Creating Value for the Community.